News

“Inferno is the launch of exo, exo2 and exo3 art cases. Lajo a well known professional Canadian artist for over twenty years, who’s work has sold from 1,000 to 20,000 USD has now taken his exo, exo2 and exo3 design to the art level. After months of experimenting Lajo is ready to release inferno. Inferno symbolizes the heat and passion of music. Every week there will be new releases, in addition silk screened, air brushed and hand painted cases will be part of his gallery collection. The first silkscreen designs will be launched within a few weeks starting with the works of Aaron an extremely talented artist. The prices of these cases will vary depending on the creation and the artist. The Lajo Gallery will offer artists an opportunity to create designs and if the are selected they will be paid for each case sold through Lajo’s realtime Key Program. Over the next few weeks you can find these cases by clicking (just released) on his main menu or if you know the name of the artist you can search all of that artist’s work by using the search function.”

Your very own personal trainer to help you work off those excess pounds and turn fat into muscle through your Apple iPod. Personalized Workout Systems (PWS) unveiled their latest and most innovative product

“The TEN naviPlay brings Bluetooth wireless CD-Audio quality stereo sound and remote control to the latest docking iPod models. iPod users no longer have to be tethered to their iPods with their headphone cord. The naviPlay includes a Bluetooth adapter that attaches to the iPod�s dock connector, and a BT headphone adapter that allows use of any stereo headphones or speakers with a standard 3.5mm stereo plug. The headphone adapter also has an LCD display and buttons for basic remote audio functions as well as playlist and menu navigation. Each adapter is powered by rechargeable lithium ion battery that provides approximately 8 hours of airtime. TEN plans to introduce additional BT-based products including stereo headphones, stereo speakers, and BT car stereo interfaces in the coming months. naviPlay will be available only for 3rd generation iPod models with Dock Connectors. TEN plans to begin shipping the naviPlay in Q1 2004. Pricing has not been finalized.”

“Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of high performance mobile electronics, will demonstrate at CES the world’s first solution that enables consumers to connect and control their iPod from their in-vehicle sound system. Alpine’s iPod Ready strategy is part of the company’s overarching mission to create innovative in-vehicle electronics that are easier to use and provide great sound in the mobile environment.”

The Xtremity system features the Xtremity iPod Case, Xtremity ClearShield - removable, optically- clear Lexan flex-cover, Xtremity Low-profile Dash-Mount, Xtremity Swivel Belt-clip, dock connector dust plug and adhesive adjustment pad - used with thinner iPods. “The foundation of the Xtremity system is the Xtremity iPod Case, designed to be a natural extension of the iPod. It forms the basis for seamless integration with a number of add on accessories such as battery packs, FM transmitters, Bluetooth Wireless Transmitters, belt- clips, dash mounts and more. All of the add-ons simply slide in place on the back of the Xtremity case and “disappear” behind the iPod, maintaining its elegant design.” The Xtremity system package includes Xtremity Case with Removable Flip Cover, Xtremity Dash Mount and Xtremity Belt Clip for $29.95.

“XtremeMac will be demonstrating high-fidelity, stereo, wireless audio streaming from an audio source such as the iPod to a device at line-of-sight distances in excess of 300 feet. The core technology, developed by XtremeMac’s technology partner, Infinite Range Technologies, is based upon Class 1, Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) Bluetooth standards.”

XtremeMac has announced a new case for the active iPod user. The SportWrap is an adjustable, neoprene arm band featuring the SportWrap case to hold the iPod, earphone holder and includes an extension for larger arms. The complete package sells at a suggested retail price of $29.95 U.S., and will debut at XtremeMac’s Macworld Expo Booth #2137 in San Francisco’s Moscone Center, January 6th through 10th, 2004, and will be available from our website, in Apple retail stores, at The Apple Store online and through their network of national and international resellers and distributors following Macworld.

Griffin Technology has posted details about its upcoming iTalk Voice Recorder for iPod. The iTalk mounts to iPod via the headphone port and can record seminars, meetings, classes, notes in your car, songs, etc. - up to 100 feet away. “Its built in microphone was designed to record crystal clear audio and iTalk’s Automatic Gain Control assures you have the best possible signal level recorded. You can even connect an external microphone directly to iTalk for even more recording options. iTalk includes a pass-through headphone jack that allows you to monitor your voice recording, or simply listen to your music without having to remove iTalk again. You can also download your recordings to your computer to play back, but iTalk’s speaker is so good you may not have to.” Griffin is expecting to ship the iTalk in April 2004 for $34.99.

The TuneCast II FM transmitter features FM frequencies 88.1-107.9MHz and Auto ON/OFF. It also memorizes up to four FM frequencies to give you easy and quick access to your favorite songs. The TuneCast II comes in two models: a white version and a gray version. The gray version, TuneCast� II Mobile Transmitter (F8V3080; ESP $49.99) , ships with a Belkin Mobile Power Cord that connects to your car’s cigarette lighter to provide extended power while on the road. The white version,TuneCast� II Mobile Transmitter (F8V3080-APL; ESP $39.99), includes only a DC cable for optional battery-free operation. The DC cable plugs into the DC jack on the Mobile Power Cord (F8V7067-APL; ESP $19.99 ) for iPods with Dock Connector.

“With looks to match Apple’s latest iPods, Matias today announced its newest iPod Armor aluminum hard case.� The new model has docking port access, and is compatible with every iPod Apple has shipped to date. “iPod Armor continues to offer the best protection available for your iPod,” said Vesna Vojnic, Marketing Manager for Matias. ‘We’ve had customers drop them onto concrete, fall down stairs, and their iPod has escaped unharmed.’ The new iPod Armor case comes bundled with a high-quality Armor Clip belt clip, and retails for $49.95.”

“‘Podboard’ is a stainless steel iPod stand made in Switzerland. It supports all iPod versions, lets owners create their own skin (i.e. with calendar, ruler, phone numbers) and share it with others. Price is 44 Swiss Francs (currently about 36 US Dollars). Pre-orders accepted now, shipping starts January 20, 2004.”

iLounger Larry W. has informed us that Griffin Technology has announced it has canceled the production of the iFM Radio for iPod in an email to customers who pre-ordered. The Griffin website has also removed the iFM from its products page. Click ‘Read more’ for the letter from Griffin.

Radtech and Geekshelter partnered up to bring you an after Christmas give-away. We thought those lucky ones who got an iPod from Santa would need a case to keep their precious iPod in, so we are giving away five (5) PodSleevz! Please enter your information [at the link] for a chance to win a PodSleev with the color and size of your choice!

The people that brought you MacSkinz for Apple computers is soon to release iPodSkinz. iPodSkinz are formed plastic “Skinz” that snugly fit over the front of your iPod. “Our first release will be a few solid tones for all sizes of the original iPod only. The newer iPods will be “Skinned” sometime after the beginning of 2004. They cover and attach to the iPod just like our MacSkinz cover the iBooks and PowerBooks. The price will be $12.50 each with a 3+ quantity discount at $10.00 each.”

iLounger ‘thericky’ shares his step-by-step integration of iPod and his 2004 Honda Accord. You’ll find this and many other auto installation discussions in our ‘iPod-In-Car Solutions’ forum.

“I recently installed the Soundgate SNHOND3 into my brand new ‘04 Honda Accord EX V-6 so that I could use my iPod in the car. I’ve been using an FM transmitter for a long time in my old car and was tired of hearing static and trying to find stations that worked.

Here you will find step-by-step, picture-filled instructions on how to install the SNHOND3 unit into your ‘03 or ‘04 Accord. They are identical installations.”

iLounge has spoken with a representative from company ‘X’ about a Bluetooth headphone set being developed and we will be one of the first to beta test the device. No further details can be divulged at this time, but we’ll post more at a later date.

“Lajo the designer and manufacturer of exo2 is happy to report a menu button fix for exo2. The silicone skin covering the menu buttons has been reduced from 0.8 to 0.3 mm. Production of the new cases will start later this month. Those of you who enjoy or want the thicker skin covering the menu buttons are urged to buy what you can now because the molds have been changed and no further exo2 cases with the thicker menu skin will be available once sold out. Anyone that has purchased exo2 from Lajo’s Xskn.com site can get a refund or exchange their exo2 for the new exo2 by contacting Lajo at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) within 20 days of their purchase (include your order id in your email to Lajo). For those that want total wrap around protection the new exo2 by Lajo has got your iPod covered. All exo2 purchased during the current 2 for 1 sale are included in Lajo unconditional guarantee of satisfaction.”

Lajo, designer/manufacturer of exo silicone cases has announced that Pepsi has recently purchased 600 indigo exo cases to dress up iPods in their company colors for a major give away to be announced soon. Lajo says that this marks the beginning of companies like Pepsi using exo and exo2 to represent their company colors or to carry their logo in 2004, a year of iPod giveaways. Apple and Pepsi are expected to give away over 100 million free songs from the iTunes Music Store and it’s announcement is scheduled for February 1, 2004.

“Last week I gave you Part 1 of my holiday gift suggestions for the iPod user(s) in your life, covering Apple accessories, music, software, cases, bags, and jackets. Part 2 provides you with the best in third-party iPod add-ons, car accessories, speakers, reading, and repair options. Give your favorite iPod user even more reason to love their iPod with one (or more) of these useful items.”